Black Sticks named for world league in Belgium

TOP CLASS: Sam Charlton in action during the recent test series win over India. PHOTO/Photosport

Vantage Black Sticks Women's head coach Mark Hager has named his strongest team to compete at the FIH World League semifinal in Belgium next month.

Included in the squad are Tauranga reps Rose Keddell (151 caps), Sam Charlton (188) and Amy Robinson (21), with Frances Davies (14) travelling reserve.

New Zealand will battle it out against some of the world's best sides from June 21-July 2 at the Stade Fallon in Brussels.

The Black Sticks are joined in Pool B by hosts Belgium, Oceania champions Australia, Spain and Malaysia while Pool A includes reigning world champions Netherlands, Asian champions Korea, China, Scotland and Italy.

Split across two events, 10 teams will take part in Brussels with another 10 competing at the World League semifinal in Johannesburg from July 8-23.

With qualification at stake for the FIH World League final in Auckland this November (New Zealand have automatic qualification as hosts), both semifinal events also serve as World Cup qualifiers.

While vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each semifinal will qualify for the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup in London.

It's an experienced side with 10 players having played more than 100 tests while versatile player Stacey Michelsen spearheads the group with 224 caps.

Many players have earned their spot after impressing during February's Argentina tour, the Hawke's Bay Cup and the recent Indian series in Pukekohe and Hamilton which the Black Sticks swept 5-0.

Hager said the depth within the group presented some tough selection decisions.

"This is the strongest team we have at present after tests against Argentina, the Hawke's Bay Cup and also the Indian series this year," he said.

"There were some very challenging decisions in selecting the final group which shows we have healthy depth at the moment which is great following an Olympic year.

"We know the World League semifinal will be very tough and it offers the top level competition we need to play amongst to continue developing. We'll be pushing for a top performance with the ultimate goal to come away having qualified for the World Cup."